Describing the past week as a crazy one would be a major understatement. As soon as the campaign ended, the game of musical chairs began, and most of the major Serie A clubs took part in it. Besides Milan and Atalanta – who will maintain their coaches for next season, minus any shocking twists – the big boys in Italy will have new (or perhaps returning) managers sitting on their benches next August.
But as usual, some of these new appointments will work out for the best interest of the teams, whilst others will naturally fail.
Therefore, we ranked these new managerial arrivals from worst to best, according to our own expectations.
5 – Luciano Spaletti (Napoli)
After taking a break from the game for two years, the 62-year-old has been entrusted with the Napoli job. Whilst club president Aurelio De Laurentiis can be creative with his managerial appointments, this time he opted for a safer choice.
Even though the veteran coach is vastly experienced, he seemed to lack the same enthusiasm and creativity that he displayed earlier in his career at the likes of Udinese, Roma (the first stint) and Zenit St. Petersburg.
While he didn’t do badly at Inter, or even during his second spell at the capital, he seemed to be content with finishing within the Top four rather than trying to aspire for something more important.
4 – Simone Inzaghi (Inter)
The younger Inzaghi brother was arguably the choice that made the most sense for the Serie A champions, and an official announcement is expected soon.
Nonetheless, the 45-year-old has some huge boots to fill. Whilst his favorite tactical lineup is very similar – if not identical – to the one adopted by Antonio Conte, the latter is renown for his ability to squeeze the best of his players and push his squad to its very limit, which is a characteristic that is hard to master.
3 – Gennaro Gattuso (Fiorentina)
Some would argue that Fiorentina isn’t exactly a Top Serie A side nowadays, but they remain one of the traditional seven sisters (Le Sette Sorelle), plus we needed a fifth name on the list to be honest.
The former midfield warrior has now gained experience at Milan and Napoli – despite becoming a 5th place expert – and his enthusiastic nature will add so much energy for a squad that has been underachieving for years.
2- Josè Mourinho (Roma)
Whilst Paulo Fonseca’s tenure in the capital was for the most part unmemorable, his compatriot’s stint won’t be forgotten – whether for better or worse.
Despite his latest shortcomings in England, Mourinho remains on of the biggest names in football, and his presence will add some major exposure for the Giallorossi who are eager to play a bigger role at the top of the table once again, and the Portuguese’s enormous experience and unique character could be exactly what they need.
1- Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus)
Despite all of the new appointments mentioned above, we picked the returning one – which perhaps tells you something about our inexorable character.
Juventus are trying to bounce back after an underwhelming season, and they made a good start by rectifying an old mistake. Whilst Maurizio Sarri was too stubborn to lead a group of stars, and Andrea Pirlo was too inexperienced, Max is just the right man for the job, and his record at the club says it all.
So will it be a merry comeback for Allegri, or should that chapter remained closed?